US EditionGov. Mills will allow bill that authorizes tribes to operate online gambling to become law
LD 1164 grants Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to online card and dice games with the state receiving 18% of revenue for public services, boosting tribal economic sovereignty.
- On Jan. 8, 2026, Governor Janet Mills announced she will allow LD 1164 to become law, authorizing Wabanaki Nations to operate online iGaming in Maine.
- LD 1164 was one of 61 bills Mills held after the Maine Legislature adjourned and she said she backed it after meeting the five elected chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations in the fall of 2025.
- The law expands iGaming to include card and dice games, with Maine receiving 18% of gross receipts, as Mills said, `'I considered this bill carefully, and while I have concerns about the impacts of gambling on public health, I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine's Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine's tribes benefit from its operations.'`
- Wabanaki Nations chiefs hailed the decision, saying revenues will fund essential services like health, education, housing, and social programs, with Chief Clarissa Sabattis calling it "an incredible step forward for all of us."
- LD 1164 will take effect 90 days after April 17, opponents including the National Association Against iGaming plan a people's veto, and regulators and public‑health experts warned about addiction risks.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Janet Mills will let tribes control Maine’s new online casino market
Maine’s new online casino market will be controlled by tribes after Gov. Janet Mills said Thursday she will allow a bill to go into law after delaying a decision for months. The measure was among 61 bills that the Maine Legislature passed last year but were held up by the Democratic governor. Her administration opposed the initial bill in March, but she said in a statement that she decided to back it after talking with chiefs in the fall. “It ha…
The Berkshire Eagle
NAAiG Statement on Maine Gov. Janet Mills' Reversal of iGaming Veto Commitment
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association Against iGaming is deeply disappointed by Governor Janet Mills' decision to reverse her long-standing opposition to online casino gambling and allow the iGaming bill on her desk to become law.
Wabanaki Nations to have exclusive iGaming rights in Maine
In 2022, the Maine Legislature amended the Settlement Act to permit Tribes to handle sports betting, and the new internet gaming law will build off of that earlier expansion. (Photo by Getty Images)The Wabanaki Nations will now have exclusive rights to operate internet gaming in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she would allow legislation passed by both chambers last session to become law, despite her administration’s initial oppo…
Gov. Mills will allow bill that authorizes tribes to operate online gambling to become law
The governor said she does have concerns about the impact of gambling on public health, but noted the legislation will help the Wabanaki Nations support economic development and investment and tribal communities.
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